Toy with loops and extensions

ABSTRACT

Creative play toys and play educational tools having a surface with at least one loop affixed to the surface and one or more extensions that can be releasably secured to the loop. The creative play toys and play educational tools can be components of creative kits and games. The play educational tools improve dexterity, fine motor skills and cognitive skills and teach by requiring the user to sort and match extensions to loops. Preferably the creative play toys include a plurality of loops mounted on the surface and a plurality of extensions that permit the user to create imaginative looks, structures, and designs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/311,317, entitled TOY WITH LOOPS AND EXTENSIONS, filed Feb. 17, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to creative play toys with loops and extensions, and particularly, creative hair play toys with interchangeable hair and creative craft kits with toys having loops with interchangeable extensions. The invention also relates to play educational tools for teaching and also improving dexterity, fine motor skills and cognitive skills.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a creative play toy with loops and extensions wherein the toy comprises a surface portion and at least one loop affixed to the surface of the toy to which one or more extensions can be releasably secured thereto. Preferably, the toy includes a plurality of loops affixed to the surface portion and one or more extensions formed from strips of material. In a preferred embodiment the toy includes transformable and interchangeable hair wherein the plurality of loops affixed to the surface portion of the toy form a short hair look. The short hair look can be converted to long hair look by connecting the extensions to the loops, preferably by threading the extensions through the loops and securing the extensions to the loop by tying or knotting to create the look of longer hair. The extensions are intended to be temporary, so that the extensions can be detached and interchanged with other types of extensions to create hours of hair play enjoyment.

The present invention imparts an increased enjoyment in imaginative play with toys in the nature of dolls, figures, characters, abstract creatures or things, plants, structures, decorative objects and fashion accessories wherein the loops are mounted on the surface of the toy in arrangements that permit the user to connect extensions to create imaginative looks, structures and designs. The myriad of combinations of colors and styles of extensions lead to endless hours of amusement and creativity.

Disclosed herein is a play educational tool for teaching and also for improving dexterity, fine motor skills and cognitive skills by requiring the user to sort and match extensions to loops of the same color, pattern, texture and style thereby teaching order, classification and color.

Further disclosed herein are kits and games comprising creative play toys and play educational tools that include toys with loops and interchangeable extensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention

FIG. 2 a is an enlarged view of a loop and extension showing one embodiment of the extension connected to the loop

FIG. 2 b is an enlarged view of a loop and extension showing a second embodiment of the extension connected to the loop

FIG. 2 c is an enlarged view of a loop and extension showing a third embodiment of the extension connected to the loop

FIG. 3 a is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the loop rooted into the surface of the toy

FIG. 3 b is an enlarged view illustrating the loop visible on the exterior of the toy and the portion of the loop that is rooted into the toy and not visible when the toy is in use

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a creative play toy is illustrated therein and it will be seen to include a toy with transformable and interchangeable hair. The toy is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The toy 10 includes a surface portion 12, one or more loops 14 affixed to the body and one or more extensions 16.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the toy is an animal figure with the surface 12. The toy 10 in this embodiment includes multiple body parts and is shown with the loops 14 affixed to a head 22, but it is contemplated that the loops can be affixed to any portion of the surface 12 of the toy 10, including but not limited to the head 22, body 24 and, further, the loops 14 can be affixed to the toy 10 in a position to create a tail 26 therefor. It is even further contemplated that the loops can be affixed to the arms 28 and legs 30, and particularly the ends 32 and 34 of the arms and legs to create fingernails or toenails.

Although the embodiment of the creative play toy 10 shown in FIG. 1 is directed to an animal figure, it is specifically contemplated that the toy 10 can be any character, including but not limited to, a doll, figure, animal, abstract creature or thing, plant or structure as well as a decorative object, including but not limited to, a pillow or wall hanging, or fashion accessory including but not limited to purse, bag, headwear or backpack. The toy can be formed from a hard or stiff material or a soft or flexible material or a combination thereof. The toy can be made from natural or synthetic fabrics, including but not limited to cotton, plush, rayon, tricot, vinyl, textile or any other sewable materials, static or stretchable. The toy can also be manufactured from wood, molded plastic and rubber materials, hard or soft. The toy 10 can be hollow, filled or stuffed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the loops 14 affixed to the surface portion 12 can form an overall short hair look for the toy. As shown in FIG. 1 the loops 14 form a plurality of loops comprising more than twenty loops. However, any number of loops can be included, even as few as a single loop, the number of loops being determined by the size of the toy and the look desired.

The loops can be placed anywhere on the toy and in any arrangement. The arrangement of the loops can be symmetrical, random or a combination thereof. The loops can be spaced in any manner to create the look desired. For instance, the arrangement of the loops can simulate corn rows. The loops can be spaced close together to create a more dense look, or alternatively, the loops can be spaced further apart to create a less dense look.

The loops can be made from the same material as the toy or the loops can be made from a different material than the toy. The loops can be formed from stretchable materials as well as non-stretchable materials. The types of materials contemplated by the invention include stiff material, including but not limited to plastic, coated textile or metal, or a flexible material, including but not limited to elastic, spandex, lycra, elastane, rubber or other stretchable material as well as bendable wire or metal, flexible plastic, fabric, twisted fiber, cord, leather or other textile material. When affixed to the toy the loops 14 can form a shape, including but not limited to geometric shapes, such as a circle as depicted in FIG. 1 . The loops can be flat or dimensional in nature, for instance, the shape of elastic bands or rolled pony tail holders. The loops can be all of the same material or a combination of different materials.

The loops can be of the same color or different colors. Furthermore, the surface of the loop can include one or more patterns. In addition, the loops on the toy can create a pattern, logo or design depending upon spatial arrangement of the loops, color of the loops, pattern on the loops, size and dimension of the loops or a combination thereof. The use of cross-hatching or dot screen in the figures herein is not intended to refer to or limit the invention to a particular cross-section, material, color or pattern but is used to differentiate visually between the surface 12, loops 14 and extensions 16.

The length and diameter of the loop is determined by what is proportional to the overall size of the toy and also determined by the look desired. The loops can be variable in size or all of the same size. Preferably, the loops affixed to the toy surface are shorter than the extensions. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the length and diameter of the loops is sufficient to create a short curly hair look.

The loop can be one continuous loop created separate from the toy prior to affixing to the toy, such as a circular piece of material, or the loop can be formed from the loop material upon affixation to the toy by attaching both distal and proximal ends of the loop material to the toy. In the latter embodiment, the loop is not closed until the material is affixed to the toy.

The loops can be affixed to the toy individually or in groups. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the loops 14 are affixed to the surface 12 by rooting individual loops through the surface of the toy. FIG. 3 a shows an enlarged view of the visible portion 36 of the loop 14 that remains visible after rooting. FIG. 3 b shows an enlarged view of the loop 14 that is visible after rooting and rooted portion 38 of the loop that is not visible. However, alternate means of affixing the loops to the toy, including but not limited to, sewing, gluing, fusing, hook and loop fastening, snapping on, sliding on, molding if rubber or plastic is used, and threading the loop material through the surface of the toy, is specifically contemplated.

When the loops are affixed to the toy by sewing, in one embodiment the circular loop can be sewn directly to the exterior surface of the toy or alternatively the distal and proximal ends of a strand of material can be sewn to the surface of the toy to form a loop. In another embodiment to form the loop using a needle, or any other method of punching or penetrating through the material of the toy, the needle is threaded with a strand of the loop material intended to form the loop, from the inside of the toy the needle is inserted and pushed from the interior of the toy to the outside of the toy thereby exiting through the exterior surface 12 of the toy leaving a section of the loop material outside of the toy. The needle is then inserted into a spot on the exterior toy surface near the location where it exited or a certain predefined coupling point and pushed from the exterior back into the interior of the toy such that a loop is formed from the loop material on the outside of the toy. When the appropriate sized loop has been formed the ends of the loop are secured inside the toy. The ends can be secured on the interior by any of the methods previously mentioned, including but not limited to, tying, sewing, taping, gluing, fusing or any other method of bonding.

In yet another embodiment, wherein the toy has seams, the loops are attached to the toy by securing one side of a closed loop, or both the distal and proximal ends of the loop material, within the seams of the toy beneath the surface of the toy exterior, with the looped side still visible on the exterior of the toy.

When loops are affixed to the toy in groups the invention contemplates first mounting the loops on a material that is subsequently affixed to the toy. Alternatively, loops can be formed from a strand of material, including but not limited to, yarn or cord, to create a strand of loops that is then affixed to the toy. Multiple strands can be affixed to form a myriad of arrangements of loops, including, but not limited to, circular, straight lines, geometric figures, abstract figures, words, figures and so on.

In another embodiment, the loops can be formed on a material, including but not limited to, a piece of fabric, wherein the material has a top surface and bottom surface. In a preferred embodiment the piece of fabric is similar to a shower cap, full or partial skull cap or headband. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment directed to a partial skull cap 40. The loops 14 are mounted to and extend from the top surface 44 of the material 42. The fabric 42 affixed to the surface 12 of toy by means, including, but not limited to snaps, slides, hook and eyes, glue, velcro, threads, elastic or other bonding means. Preferably, the bottom surface of the material is attachable to the surface 12 of the toy 10 by a means, including but not limited to, bonding the bottom surface of the material to surface 12 or alternatively, a portion of the bottom surface of the material to surface 12.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the short hair look can be converted to a long hair look by connecting the extensions 16 to the loops 14 to create the look of longer hair.

The extensions 16 comprise loose, strands of material, in varying widths, lengths and combinations that are flexible and narrow enough to fit, whether flat or folded, through the loops affixed to the toy. The extensions can be individual strands or multiple strands of the same or different material. Multiple strands can be connected or combined together in groups at either the manufacturing stage or by the user to form a multi-strand wherein an extension is actually comprised of two or more strands, preferably joined at or near their centers by way of tying, sewing, gluing, fusing or other joining method such that the multi-strand is secured to the loop as one piece. The extensions can be formed from all of the same material or a combination of different materials, textures, colors, sizes and lengths. The extension material can be all the same color, patterned, multi-colored or any combination thereof.

The materials used to create the extensions, include, but are not limited to, synthetic material, natural material, woven ribbons, decorative trims, plush, fur, fleece, lace tulle, fringe, cotton strands, cotton rope, cotton rope having the density of cotton balls, wire mesh, leather, strips of beads, wool strands, pompoms, rick-rack, textile piping, bias tape, velvet, damask, sateen, silk, metallic threads, metallic mesh, strips of sequins, strips of jewels, strips of glitter, iridescent material, paper of any kinds, plastic, mylar, vinyl, string, yarn rope, twine, threads, elastane tubing, elastic, rubber tubing, rubber bands, plastic tubing, wire, pipe cleaners, shoe laces, curly or coiled elastic laces, strings of beaded matter, beaded strands, craft gimp, raffia, wool, grasses, synthetic hair or natural hair (human or animal), strips of fabric such as cotton fleece, rayon, tricot, nylon, wool, alpaca, satin, silk, velvet, lycra and other textiles.

The extensions are connected to the loops by any connecting method, including, but not limited to, tying, knotting and threading, that secures the extension to at least one loop. FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 2 c each show a loop and extension illustrating a different embodiment of the connecting method in a preferred embodiment the extensions are intended to be temporary and removably secured to the loops via a releasable connecting method so that the extensions can be detached and interchanged with other extensions. The extensions can be used interchangeably on a single toy or on other toys intended for this purpose. However, as determined by the user preference, in another embodiment, the extensions can be connected to the loops via a permanent connecting method requiring cutting for removal.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the extensions affixed to the loops on the toy to create a long hair look can be further styled to form braids, pig tails, pony tails, buns, dreadlocks and other hair styles and decorated with accessories including but not limited to scrunchies, hair ties, head bands, barrettes, hats, scarves and other headwear. Additional extensions, not secured to the loops, can be used, for instance, as ribbons and hair ties to style further the extensions affixed directly to the loops. The extensions can be trimmed by the user. This action is not necessarily easily reversed. However, tape, glue, tying, sewing or other forms of re-bonding can be employed. Shorter pieces of the extensions, which are left after trimming or cutting of longer extensions, can be threaded or tied through the loops to create additional, albeit, shorter extensions.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows multiple extensions, each extension secured to one loop. However, it is also contemplated that a single extension can be secured to more than one loop and further that more than one extension can be secured to any single loop. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the extensions are secured by the loops by threading the distal end of the extension through the loop and securing the extension to the loop using a cow hitch knot.

The invention is also directed to a method of creating long hair on a toy by threading longer material through shorter loops which are affixed to the toy. Preferably, the toy includes a surface, a plurality of loops affixed to the surface and a plurality of extensions intended to be releasably secured to the loops as heretofore described. The loops affixed to the toy form a short hair look. Securing the extensions to the loops form a long hair look. Multiple hair styles can be created using the different types of extensions heretofore described all of which are interchangeable. The short hair and long hair looks are also interchangeable due to the releasable securing of the extensions of the loops, all of which can be removed to revert to the original short hair look.

Imaginative play is promoted by this invention. The imaginative play can be promoted when creating hair styles, whether concrete or abstract, for the toy by changing the pattern, color, order and arrangement for the hair.

Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is directed to an animal figure and the loops and extensions used to create different hair styles, the invention contemplates the employment of loops and extensions on other toy structures, including but not limited to dolls, characters, abstract creatures or things, plants, structures, headwear, decorative objects and fashion accessories, wherein the loops are mounted on the surface of the toy in arrangements that permit the user to connect extensions to create imaginative looks, structures and designs. It is specifically contemplated that the loops 14 affixed to and creatively arranged on the surface 12 of a toy structure will permit the user to connect interchangeable extensions 16 to create imaginative trees, create imaginative gardens and build other imaginative structures with the loops and extensions.

The invention further provides a kit for hair play or a kit for a play educational toy designed to improve fine motor and cognitive skills that includes a toy having the loops described herein and interchangeable extensions as described herein. The kit can comprise a single toy or a set of toys as described herein with a variety of extension options included. In a preferred embodiment the extensions are included in the kit. In a separate embodiment the extensions are independently sold and distributed. The toy, extensions or both can take on a collector appeal in design. The toy, extensions or both can be offered in blind boxes so that the consumer is unaware of which design the consumer is purchasing. The toy, extension or both can be manufactured in limited quantity and therefor considered rare and more desirable to a collector.

Kits comprising the creative play toys and play educational tools for teaching with the loops and interchangeable extensions are specifically contemplated. The toys can be a component of a kit wherein the users work together to create, for instance, a decorative Christmas or holiday tree or wreath. Craft kits can be directed to decorative objects, including but limited to pillows, wall hangings, rugs, as well as fashion accessories, including but not limited to purses, backpacks, bags, clothing and headwear. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is directed to a purse. The structure includes, but is not limited to, a surface 12, plurality of loops 14 and extensions 16 releasably affixed thereto. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is directed to a pillow. The pillow includes a surface 12 with a plurality of loops 14 to which it is possible to secure releasably one or more interchangeable extensions 16.

The toys can also be used as components in games, including but not limited to games wherein the objective is fill all loops with extensions and the players compete to be the first to fill each loop with an extension or wherein the winner of the game is determined by the player with the most extensions releasably secured to the toy. In one embodiment the game comprises the one or more toys with loops and interchangeable extensions, a chance device and a set of directions. The chance device includes but is not limited to a spinner assembly, dice and chips. The chance device can include a plurality of attributes corresponding to the extensions. The attribute can include, but is not limited to, color, order, classification, pattern, texture, material, position on the structure. In an educational context or therapeutic context the attribute can also include, but is not limited to, a number, letter, emotion, body part, knot type or releasable securing means. In a preferred embodiment the attribute is marked on the chance device and also marked on at least one loop. The attributes can be marked permanently or semi-permanently in ink, chalk or crayon, or marked with a sticker that can be left adhered or removed at the end of the game.

Each player takes a turn using the chance device and selects an extension corresponding to the attribute identified on the chance device and then releasably secures the extension to the toy structure. Depending upon the game the player can select the loop to releasably secure the extension based upon the chance device, the player's selection of the loop and extension can be dictated by the chance device with the player needing the match both or in an alternate embodiment of the game, a second chance device can dictate the loop to which the extension is releasably secured. In an educational context the loops and extensions are marked with numbers and the player is required to releasably secure the extension to a loop marked with the same number of the same number as the number marked on the chance device, or the loops can be color coded and the player required to the releasably secure the extension to a loop of the same color.

A game that is suitable for play by a single player or multiple players is specifically contemplated. When the game includes multiple players the game apparatus can include multiple toys with loops and extensions. Alternatively, depending upon the goal of the game all of the players may be required to connect extensions to loops on a single toy.

The game can teach a particular skill, including but not limited to, knot tying, braiding, colors, numbers and math, in a creative and imaginative environment. The game can also challenge the skills and strategy of the players as well as focus on education or therapy.

An equally important benefit of this invention is the practice and improvement of fine motor skills and finger dexterity. The action of connecting the extensions to the loops on a toy, including, but not limited to a doll, animal figure, character, abstract creature, or structure such as a garden, building, decorative object or fashion accessory, as well any subsequent styling of the extensions connected to the loops, including, but not limited to, tying, braiding, beading, weaving and combing, provides strong practice for improving fine motor skills.

The detailed description of the invention having been set forth herein, it is known that there can be departure from the embodiments described without departing from the true scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A creative play toy comprising a surface, at least one loop affixed to the surface and at least one extension releasably secured to the loop.
 2. The creative play toy of claim 1 wherein said creative play toy is a toy with interchangeable hair.
 3. The creative play toy of claim 1 wherein said toy is a doll, animal figure, character, abstract creature, plant, building, abstract structure, decorative object, pillow, purse, fashion accessory, game or kit.
 4. The toy of claim 3 wherein said at least one loop is a plurality of loops.
 5. The toy of claim 4 wherein said plurality of loops are formed from a stretchable or non-stretchable material.
 6. The toy of claim 5 wherein the stretchable or non-stretchable material is plastic, coated textile, metal, wood, elastic, spandex, lycra, elastane, rubber, wire, flexible plastic, fabric, twisted fiber, cord, leather or textile.
 7. The toy of claim 4 wherein said plurality of loops is affixed directly to the surface by sewing, gluing, fusing, snapping, sliding, hook and loop fastening, or molding, or affixed though the surface of the toy by threading or rooting the loop through the surface of the toy.
 8. The toy of claim 4 wherein said plurality of loops is arranged in a pattern.
 9. The toy of claim 4 wherein said plurality of loops form curly short hair.
 10. The toy of claim 3 wherein said at least one extension comprises a plurality of extensions.
 11. The toy of claim 10 wherein said at least one extension is releasably secured to said at least one loop by threading the extension through the loop and releasably securing the extension thereto.
 12. The toy of claim 11 wherein the extension is formed from synthetic material, natural material, woven ribbons, decorative trims, plush, fur, fleece, lace tulle, fringe, cotton strands, cotton rope, cotton rope having the density of cotton balls, wire mesh, leather, strips of beads, wool strands, pompoms, rick-rack, textile piping, bias tape, velvet, damask, sateen, silk, metallic threads, metallic mesh, strips of sequins, strips of jewels, strips of glitter, iridescent material, paper of any kinds, plastic, mylar, vinyl, string, yarn rope, twine, threads, elastane tubing, elastic, rubber tubing, rubber bands, plastic tubing, wire, pipe cleaners, shoe laces, curly or coiled elastic laces, strings of beaded matter, beaded strands craft gimp, raffia, wool, grasses, synthetic hair or natural hair (human or animal), strips of fabric such as cotton fleece, rayon, tricot, nylon, wool, alpaca, satin, silk, velvet, lycra or textiles.
 13. The toy of claim 11 wherein said extension is formed from multiple strands of material.
 14. The toy of claim 11 wherein said plurality of extensions is secured to said at least one loop by tying or knotting.
 15. The toy of claim 11 wherein said plurality of extensions form long hair.
 16. The toy of claim 15 wherein said long hair is further styled to form braids, pigtails, dreadlocks, afros or buns.
 17. A play educational toy to improve fine motor skills or cognitive skills or finger dexterity comprising a surface, a plurality of loops and a plurality of extensions intended to be releasably secured to said plurality of loops, wherein said play educational toy teaches sorting, order, color, classification, tying or weaving.
 18. The kit of claim 3 comprising a kit for hair play comprising a toy with interchangeable hair, said toy including a surface, a plurality of loops affixed to the surface of said toy to form short hair, and a plurality of extensions intended to be releasably secured to said plurality of loops to form longer hair or alternative hair styles.
 19. The kit of claim 3 comprising a creative play kit comprising said creative play toy, said toy having a surface with a plurality of loops affixed to the surface, and a plurality of extensions intended to be releasably secured to said plurality of loops.
 20. A method of creating a creative play toy comprising: a. providing a toy with a plurality of loops affixed to a surface of the toy, b. providing a plurality of extensions comprising strips of material, c. threading the extensions through the loops, and d. releasably securing the extensions to the loops. 